AW11 vs AE86

I've been wanting to try out a mid-engine car, and the first gen MR2 fits the bill all around. 4A-GE power, mid-engine, and I can usually find them within my budget. I think the driver mod would be more greatly improved as it would be an entirely new chassis layout than anything I've ever had. The only two other cars I can think of that are MR and possibly found under even $10k are the Fiero and the X1/9, Fieros seem to be nothing more than glorified Chevettes unless you can get a super-late production one, and I've maybe two X1/9s in the entire time I've lived in Californa.

I've also been pining for another AE86, though, ever since I got rid of my '84 SR5. I won't learn anything new from these cars (Every performance car I've ever owned has been FR/McPherson strut front/SRA rear), but I also know the chassis, where to get parts, and what they are and aren't really capable of. They're at least a couple hundred pounds lighter than the MR2, but they're hit HARD by the drift tax where I live. Think $4500 vs $2k for a car in the same condition.

Is there any reason besides the above to go one way or another on these two cars?

Am I really missing out by never having driven an MR?

ReverendDexter wrote: I've been wanting to try out a mid-engine car, and the first gen MR2 fits the bill all around. 4A-GE power, mid-engine, and I can usually find them within my budget. I think the driver mod would be more greatly improved as it would be an entirely new chassis layout than anything I've ever had. The only two other cars I can think of that are MR and possibly found under even $10k are the Fiero and the X1/9, Fieros seem to be nothing more than glorified Chevettes unless you can get a super-late production one, and I've *maybe* two X1/9s in the entire time I've lived in Californa. I've also been pining for another AE86, though, ever since I got rid of my '84 SR5. I won't learn anything new from these cars (Every performance car I've ever owned has been FR/McPherson strut front/SRA rear), but I also know the chassis, where to get parts, and what they are and aren't really capable of. They're at least a couple hundred pounds lighter than the MR2, but they're hit HARD by the drift tax where I live. Think $4500 vs $2k for a car in the same condition. Is there any reason besides the above to go one way or another on these two cars? Am I really missing out by never having driven an MR?

Normally i'd say yes... but if you can find the right AE86, they're so much fun it should be illegal.

I think you need to drive an AW11 in good condition to better make your decision.

I have no idea which one i would pick, and i've driven both.

You need to look harder for the Exxies in Cali.

http://www.xwebforums.org/

They are rare, but there are more than a few around.

BTW, my friend lives in Cali and has an AW11 that he's "improving" slowly over time.... http://marcmedina.com/MR2.html

Dont discount the 914. Decent ones can be found under 10k. Go to renegade hybrids for subie power!

Ha! You know Marc, huh? He seems like a good guy and is well know around the mr2oc forum. Other than his wheels (which everybody loves giving him a hard time about), his mods have been effective and tasteful.

I'm biased, as I'm a aw11 owner, but I just love the little scamps. If you've never owned a mid-engine car they're fun and the price of entry is very low. Although, like any old car you're going to want to refresh almost everything to bring it up to snuff. You probably know that already however. I've never driven an AE86, but I can tell you the mr2 is much better at gripping than tail-out antics. On the other hand, I did manage some nice drifts at the last autocross though. Certainly didn't help my times, but it was fun. Also, I've heard engine swaps are easier in the mr2 chassis due to clearance issues with the AE86, if you're into that sort of thing. Overall, they feel more special to me than a Corolla in the design and layout. Which is I guess is lucky for me given the prices for the "other" 80's Toyota.

914? Always liked those too. Starting to see really high collector car values though. I haven't seen a nice one under 10K for quite a while. You could get 2-3 aw11's for that.

he is in the SF bay area...there are 10 914's on C-list, and not one of them was over 10 grand. one even had a 2.7 liter 911 engine for 8500.

Other MR cars you could likely find for under 10k: 2nd gen MR2, MR2 Spyder, Europa, possibly a rough boxter?

10k isn't my budget, I don't have anywhere near 10k to put towards this, hahaha.

10k was to try and show a dividing line between remotely affordable and zomg-no-way-in-this-lifetime. It seems like once you get out of the MR2-Fiero-X1/9-914 bracket, the prices jump up $20k to Boxter/Lotus/busted-ass Ferrari territory.

MR2s are easier to find in good shape and cheaper, but I'm biased. :)

I had a supercharged MR2. I loved it, but I had to get rid of it due to college. I never went autocrossing even though the PO gave me another set of rims with DOT slicks on them.

...I should buy that car back from the current owner... hmmm, I know where he lives....

I've owned both, and it should be noted that I had one AW11 for a short while, and I've had three AE86's for years and years. I liked the AW11 for having a unique feel which I attribute to the mid-engined layout. It was cool listening to the engine behind you, and the turn-in and grip available were impressive.

I sold the MR2 and keep coming back to the Corollas because I find the Corolla both more fun and more practical. I find the AE86 easier to push hard, and seems easier to catch when driven over the limit. The AE86 can haul you plus a friend, toolbox, lunchbox, jack, and four mounted tires to an event....inside the car. I also like how light the Corolla is once you start stripping non-essential stuff off of it!

That said, the MR2 was still a great car, tons of fun, and I can easily see how someone with a different set of priorities or a different driving style could easily make the case for the MR2 over the Corolla.

If I were in your shoes, I would put some effort into finding a local AW11 owner willing to give you a test drive to see how you like the car.

I have been codriving a AW11 thats been preped for STS2 at the local (S.F.) SCCA events. The car is pretty special.

I have no experence with the AE 86 so I can't really compare the two, but I don't see how it would be a factor of 2 (price difference when you account for drift tax) better than the AW11.

How are you intending to use the car, will this be an autoX car? What club do you run with?

Had both (OK, ae86 was an sr-5), and I can say, the aw11 is a mighty platform. Mid engined, just like the big boys, but the econo car roots don't go as deep as with the x1/9 or fiero. Check weights-the fiat is porky for such a small car, and the fiero is a joke. If you want tail out action, put a fuel cell up front, and strip a hardtop MR2down to essentials. All that said, I parted out my MR2, and am putting its 4age in a bugeye, because that layout is just friendlier (to build, and drive). Bottom line, it is very hard to top the aw11 as far as bang for buck goes. The ceiling on swaps and go-fast goodies is mighty tall. And every one had one of the all time great engines-some even more. People just aren't as proud of these cars as they are of the GT-S

here in san diego i see the aw11's listed on craigslist all the time for under 1k. Need spare parts, just buy another car.